For those of you who are new to this blog you might not know that I actually run two blogs. This site which covers personal finance and lifestyle related topics. My other blog covers all things Colorado. When I set up each blog I was a little…distracted. I ended up hosting one website with HostGator and the other website with Bluehost. If you’re new to blogging one of the most important decisions you will make is where to host your blog. Basically, you’re deciding where to set up your blog’s home base. A lot is riding on that decision. Certain things such as site speed, customer service, and security are affected by where you host your website. But, recently I’ve come to the decision that it’s time to break up with Bluehost and HostGator and I thought I would share why.
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The McDonald’s of Web Hosting
Let’s be clear, both HostGator and Bluehost have done their job in hosting my websites. But, I like to spend my money with companies that I’m excited about. Where I am enthusiastically sharing who they are and what they do. And, hey, I am focused on affiliate marketing so being 100% enthusiastic about the companies that I use is really important to me.
Just like McDonald’s, I find myself enthusiastic only about one or two things (the fries, coffee, and apple pie) when it comes to these hosting companies. They get the job done…but, I want more.
I feel like these companies are so big that I’m lost in the crowd. Fortunately I’ve had very few major issues with my websites, but I am in the process of growing both of my websites. And, with growth, I’m concerned that I may begin to experience problems with my websites due to that growth.
Reluctance to Share
My philosophy on spending and sharing is driven by a couple of things:
- Quality First-I work hard for my money and refuse to spend it on services or products that give me “ok” results.
- Helpful to Others-Ethically, I just can’t recommend a product or service that I’m not 100% convinced will be great for other people. I’ve heard enough negative stories from other bloggers about hosting with these companies that I couldn’t in good conscience refer people to these products and services. This really sucked because website hosting affiliates are a great way to build affiliate income. Bloggers gonna blog. But, I left that money on the table and began looking for a hosting company that I could use and others could use as well.
- Affordable-Hey, I’m a personal finance blogger-I’m always looking at cost!
Finally, I found a company that I’ve only heard great things about. I even asked about people’s experiences with this company in the FinCon closed Facebook group (FinCon is the community that most personal finance bloggers are a part of). I was blown away by the response. Finally, the fabulous gentleman who helps me with all of my tech issues, Grayson Bell, also approved this company as well.
Siteground
In the next couple of weeks I plan on moving both of my websites to Siteground. It’s the new kid on the hosting block and I’m excited to host my websites with them. Here are some of the positive things that I’ve heard about the company:
- Site speeds are faster-Right now it has begun to drive me crazy that it takes my site 11 seconds to load. Ideally, a fast website loads between 3-5 seconds. Those extra seconds are driving people away from my website. In my completely unscientific opinion, Bluehost and HostGator have a ridiculous number of websites that they are hosting. I personally think that site speeds are affected as a result. Sort of like food quality in a food chain that gets too big and tries to do too many things.
- Customer Service-I have begun to get a little…weird…about customer service. It pisses me off that service has gotten so bad and I am happy to break up with: restaurants, service providers, and products based on a bad customer service experience. I don’t have to spend my money with you. Bye Phylecia.
- Security-I’ve heard of so many bloggers dealing with website breaches. It’s a horrible, stressful, scary thing. Whatever I can do to keep my sites as secure as possible. I will. Security is a very real issue that we all need to take seriously.
If you’re feed up with your current web host and have been trying to figure out what to do-check out Siteground. Call customer service and ask questions. Have them walk you through how to transfer your blog over. You’ll need to provide the following information to them:
- Current website login credentials
- Username
- Password
- Current web hosting login credentials
- Username
- Password
Hosting packages begin at $3.95 a month-the same as the other companies. And then you can adjust your hosting packages based on page views per month. I hope Siteground offers you a great hosting experience if you decide to start a new site with them or move your site over to them.
Bluehost and HostGator
Were fine. I just wanted to work with a company that was able to meet my needs better. And, I’m sick of the 504 Server time out errors. And, I’m thrilled to finally be able to share a hosting affiliate that I feel comfortable with. Yes!
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I’m new to blogging and currently my site is run by WordPress. I’ll have to think about changing that. Your article is very helpful.
You’ll still use WordPress 🙂 But, the hosting would be with Siteground. I love WordPress!
I totally understand your decision to switch. I’ve been with Siteground for the past 18 months and have never had any issues. Their customer service is extremely fast even when you contact them late at night. Sounds like a good idea to give them a try and I hope all goes well when you switch your blog host service.
Every person that I’ve connected with switched over to Siteground has said the same thing. I’ve heard a ridiculous number of complaints and frustration related to HostGator and BlueHost. I think the issue with those companies is that they are just so big at this point that quality gets degraded.
Things really didn’t work out with me and Hostgator either! But I just moved over to siteground and I’m in LOVE!! I hope you enjoy it too!
I can’t wait! I’ve had so many people share how happy they are with the change.